The Wondered Bliss Podcast

The Sun: A Poet’s Brutal, Gentle Wake-Up | Episode 60

Kevin Faulkner reads his poem "The Sun" and candidly reflects on depression, self-sabotage, and how contrast—darkness and light—gives life meaning. He describes sitting in the cold while sunlight unexpectedly warms him and the insight that warmth is always available if we let it in.
Through blunt storytelling and simple advice—get outside, feel the sun, open your heart—he offers a raw, hopeful message about resilience, gratitude, and choosing to live despite pain.Check out Kevin's poetry book and merchandise on his website www.wonderedbliss.com

I've Got This Life to Live — Choosing Joy After Pain | Episode 59

Kevin Faulkner reads his poem "I've Got This Life to Live" and reflects on moving from long-held sadness and frustration to gratitude, creativity, and active living through personal stories and lessons.
This episode urges listeners to face fear, appreciate the mix of good and bad, and follow their heart to build a meaningful, lived life.Check out his website and purchase a copy of his book @www.wonderedbliss.com

One Day: Finding Hope After Rock Bottom | Episode 58

Kevin Faulkner introduces himself, reads the short poem "One Day," and reflects on his journey from addiction, poor health, and despair toward healing and meaning.
He shares hard-earned lessons about how struggle shapes growth, the power of small steps and faith, and the importance of changing behavior and perspective.
Kevin ends with encouragement to appreciate the journey, keep improving, and discover more through his books and website.
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Check out my Website:www.wonderedbliss.com

Worth Fighting For: A Poet’s Recovery | Episode 57

Kevin, an artist and recovering addict, reads his poem "Worth Fighting For" and reflects on addiction, insomnia, and the long work of relearning softness and self-worth. He shares honest stories about quitting smoking, breaking habits, and how repeated choices shape identity.Through candid advice and a simple practice (the mirror high-five), he encourages listeners to face discomfort, examine root causes, and keep pushing forward toward health, joy, and meaning.

Sparked: The Light Inside the Dull | Episode 56

Kevin reads his short poem "Sparked" and reflects on the duality of life — the body as a computing system and the inner light or spirit that brings passion, wonder, and meaning. He contrasts cynicism with the possibility of choosing joy and curiosity.Heading into the new year, he urges listeners to feel their emotions fully, face their struggles, and allow their inner light to burn so they can grow, find peace, and experience more joy.

Truth & Fire: From Nihilism to Wondered Bliss

Kevin reads his short poem "Truth" and recounts a personal journey from strict religion to nihilism and back toward balance, meaning, and wonder.
He urges careful exploration of ideas, honest effort to change destructive habits, and a deliberate choice to rediscover joy, faith, and the beauty of life.Explore his website www.wonderedbliss.com to find links to his books as well as purchase merchandise and prints of his art. Thank you!

Crashing Wave of Significance: Tired, Tripping, and Thinking | Episode 54

The host wakes up worn out but records anyway, reflecting on the grind of working overtime as a front-of-house manager and the need for rest and meaning on a day off.He reads from his poetry book "What Struggle Brings," explains how psychedelics—especially magic mushrooms—shaped his spiritual outlook, and shares an art piece inspired by Terrence McKenna's ideas.Throughout the episode he explores consciousness, dreams, faith versus doubt, and manifestation, ending with a commitment to write more poetry and encouraging listeners to follow their own creative paths.

Be Free — A Second Take on Anxiety and Hope | Episode 53

Kevin Faulkner reads his poem "Be Free" and reflects on anxiety, frustration, and the push-pull of hope and despair.After losing his first recording he re-records the episode, sharing personal insights about resilience, the contrast of light and dark, and choosing to keep moving forward.

Growing Pains: A Tired Man’s Poetic Reckoning | Episode 52

Kevin Faulkner reads his poem "Growing Pains" and talks candidly about insomnia, a toxic past relationship, and the habits that kept him from connection.He examines hookup culture, personal responsibility, and the hard work of changing patterns, ending with a hopeful commitment to growth and a more meaningful future.

Conflicted: The Cost of Loving and Learning to Trust | Episode 51

Kevin Faulkner reads his poem "Conflicted" and reflects on love, responsibility, trust, and the fear of commitment after childhood wounds. He shares honest stories about running from connection, the hard work of healing, and how opening up to love can change a life.Kevin also mentions his books What Struggle Brings and The Melancholy Swells, encourages getting outside for sunlight and vitamin D, and invites listeners to visit wonderedbliss.com.